Expect Winnipeg Jets to do what it takes to keep coach Paul Maurice

Head coach Paul Maurice of the Winnipeg Jets talks to his team from the bench during a break in third-period action in an NHL game against the Vancouver Canucksat the MTS Centre on March 12, 2014 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Paul Maurice was quick to dismiss a report from the TSN panel that he was unlikely to return behind the bench of the Winnipeg Jets next season because of family commitments.

Since Maurice worked on that same TSN national panel earlier this season, the report certainly warranted further investigation.

And since he’s only under contract until the end of the current campaign, I asked Maurice directly if there was any truth to the suggestion?

“Is that because we lost five in a row?” asked Maurice, displaying his clear understanding of the media business from his time on camera.

When it was relayed to him the comments came during the intermission when Wednesday’s game with the Vancouver Canucks was still tied, Maurice polled members of the media for some context before getting around to the actual denial.

“Did anybody hear it? Nobody has got a scoop on it?” said Maurice. “That would be bad information or no information. I haven’t talked to any of those guys about my situation.”

Does that sound like an answer from someone who leaked the story to drum up interest in his services around the league?

Certainly not to me.

Does that mean Maurice is ready to sign on the dotted line and move his family from Columbus, Ohio to Winnipeg at this instant or that a deal is imminent?

Absolutely not.

Of course, it’s possible that Maurice won’t be able to convince his family to move to the Great White North or that the job he’s done with the Jets could lead to another opportunity within the NHL.

But that’s not how I see this situation playing out.

If Maurice wants the gig — and all outward indications are that he does — he’ll find a way to convince his family that Winnipeg is a place they’ll enjoy living.

If he needs an assist, the folks at True North will be there to provide important answers about schools, housing and anything else that the Maurice family is concerned about.

This isn’t Maurice’s first rodeo and he’s not about to tip his hand until he’s come to a final decision.

Maurice made it clear shortly after the Olympic break that he prefers to wait until the end of the season before negotiating and I don’t think the driving force behind that decision has much to do with squeezing a few more dollars out of the folks who hired him on Jan. 12.

From listening to Maurice field questions on a frequent basis, you can tell that he believes in the direction the Jets are trying to go.

Just a couple of days ago, Maurice expressed his belief that 2011 first rounder Mark Scheifele would soon be one of the best two-way centreman in the NHL.

If you’re simply punching the clock until the end of the season, that’s not the type of bold statement you just throw out there to feed the media vultures.

Maurice wants to be part of that development and see the heights Scheifele could reach.

Since his arrival, Maurice has spoken about the youth on the Jets’ roster and it’s clear he’s interested in finding out just how far he might be able to take them down this road.

After spending last season in the Kontinental Hockey League, Maurice has expressed his appreciation for being back in the NHL and it’s hard to see him turning his back on the organization that gave him an opportunity to get back into the exclusive club.

This won’t be a financial decision either.

Although the Jets are paying Claude Noel’s salary next season, that won’t deter them from making Maurice an offer he can’t refuse.

In a short period of time they’ve seen the value of having this group led by someone with more than 1,100 games of NHL experience under his belt and has led a team to the Stanley Cup final.

Maurice believes his best coaching is ahead of him, not behind him.

And that’s another reason the Jets will do everything in their power to ensure that Maurice is here for the long haul.

As Advertised in the Winnipeg SUN

Expect Winnipeg Jets to do what it takes to keep coach Paul Maurice

Paul Maurice was quick to dismiss a report from the TSN panel that he was unlikely to return behind the bench of the Winnipeg Jets next season because of family commitments.

Since Maurice worked on that same TSN national panel earlier this season, the report certainly warranted further investigation.

And since he’s only under contract until the end of the current campaign, I asked Maurice directly if there was any truth to the suggestion?

“Is that because we lost five in a row?” asked Maurice, displaying his clear understanding of the media business from his time on camera.

When it was relayed to him the comments came during the intermission when Wednesday’s game with the Vancouver Canucks was still tied, Maurice polled members of the media for some context before getting around to the actual denial.

“Did anybody hear it? Nobody has got a scoop on it?” said Maurice. “That would be bad information or no information. I haven’t talked to any of those guys